Healthy in Body and Soul Shabbat Shuva 5770 I reiterate what I said on the first day of Rosh HaShana concerning maintaining our health through a healthy lifestyle of eating good food, avoiding bad food, not over-indulging in any kind of food and doing at least a moderate amount of exercise. I see too many people suffering, and on occasion, dying of debilitating illnesses. Unfortunately, there are still many forms of illness that are beyond the capacity of human beings to cure and have to be accepted as part of the Divine Plan and Decree - as we read in Unetane Tokef - " Who will live and who will die, who in their right time, and who prematurely". However, we ought to pay heed to what our Sages tell us about avoidable illnesses: "Everything is in the Hands of Heaven," they proclaim, "except for avoidable diseases!" We do need to take responsibility for our health and well-being. Below is a very brief summary of the Torah principles involved in maintaining health. 1) The Torah commands us to be VERY diligent in guarding our health "v'nishmartem me'od l'nafshoseichem". 2) The Talmud tells us that eating unhealthy food is a more serious sin than eating forbidden food, "chamira sakanta m'isura". 3) Maimonides, categorically states that a healthy body is a prerequisite for a fully functional and effective soul. 4) The Maggid of Mezerich would say, "a small hole in the body leads to a big hole in the soul". May G-d Al-mighty grant and seal each and every one of us a healthy, energetic and happy year - and may we on our part do whatever we can to ensure that outcome. On behalf of the Rebbetzen and my family and all of us at South Head, I wish you a Good Shabbos and Gemar Chatima Tova. May each and everyone of us be sealed for a truly wonderful year of health, energy and happiness - and may we do whatever we can on our part to ensure that outcome so that we can live meaningful and giving lives with abundant parnassah and nachas from our families and loved ones, and walk tall as we go out to greet Moshiach! Rabbi Benzion Milecki OAM